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Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said his government is collaborating with President Donald Trump's administration on a new 21-point proposal aimed at achieving a ceasefire in Gaza.
Speaking to Fox News, Netanyahu discussed the Trump administration's latest initiative to end the nearly year-long conflict that has devastated the Palestinian territory.
"We are working on this. It's not finalized yet, but we are currently working with President Trump's team and hopefully we can do this," Netanyahu said. He outlined Israel's key demands: the release of hostages, Hamas's disarmament, and the demilitarization of Gaza.
The Israeli leader referenced previous statements about potential amnesty for Hamas leadership, saying he had indicated that if Hamas leaders left the country and ended the war while freeing all hostages, "we would release them." He added that while this remained his position, "this needs to be worked on."
When asked about Trump, Netanyahu praised the U.S. president's independence, calling him "the most independent and extraordinary leader I have seen in my entire life" and emphasizing that Trump makes decisions based on American interests.
Trump separately told Axios that negotiations for his plan to end the Gaza war are in their "final stage." The president said all parties have come together to secure an agreement, though he noted that no deal has yet been reached.
Trump described his proposal as extending beyond Gaza, aiming to initiate "a broader process for regional peace."
"If we succeed, it will be a great day for Israel and the Middle East. This will be the first chance for real peace in the Middle East. But first we need to finalize the agreement," Trump said.
According to information leaked to the press, Trump's proposal outlines a phased approach to ending hostilities. Under the plan, attacks would cease once both Hamas and Israel accept the terms, with all Israeli prisoners in Gaza—both alive and dead—to be handed over within 48 hours.
The plan envisions Gaza being governed by a transitional administration composed of technocrats, with security provided by a peacekeeping force. Israeli military would gradually withdraw from areas where security has been established.
The transitional government would eventually transfer control to the Ramallah-based Palestinian Authority after implementing necessary reforms. Hamas would lay down arms, and while Israel would not target Hamas officials who choose to remain in Gaza, those wishing to relocate to other countries would be permitted to leave.
The proposal emphasizes that Palestinians in Gaza would be encouraged to remain in the territory and not be forced to emigrate, though those who choose to leave would retain the right to return.
The conflict began following Hamas's Oct. 7, 2023 attack on Israel, which killed approximately 1,200 people and resulted in the capture of around 240 hostages. Israel's military response has killed over 45,000 Palestinians in Gaza, according to the territory's health ministry.
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